ABSTRACT
Taletelling once occupied in Scottish life a position whose prominence may be difficult to comprehend in times when many media compete to provide entertainment and stimulation. It influenced both community life and family life: How stern and ample was the sway Of themes like these, when darkness fell, And gray-hair’d sires the tales would tell! When doors were barr’d, and eldron dame Plied at her task beside the flame, That through the smoke and gloom alone On dim and umber’d faces shone. 1
